By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our
Cookie Policy unless you have disabled them. You can change your Cookie Settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.

Ponting has tipped a 2-1 series result in favour of the home side for the four-match Test campaign while suggesting Khawaja and Josh Hazlewood will be the two standout performers.

Kohli's four centuries and 692 runs at 86.50 on India's last Test tour to Australia four years ago was topped only by Steve Smith, but Ponting believes Khawaja's superb recent campaign against Pakistan has him primed to take a further leap in Smith and David Warner's absence.

"(Khawaja) will just pip Kohli," said Ponting.

"Kohli will play well I'm sure because he does everywhere he goes and had a great series against Australia last time.

He believed the home team's batsmen will fare better against the Indian pacers.

"Basically, it comes down to whichever team bats the best," said Ponting.

"Both fast bowling attacks are good but I think our batsmen will play better against their quicks than their batters will play against ours.

"India need to get off to a really good start (in the series). If they get behind the eight ball if those first two games then they might fight back and win one Sydney or Melbourne, but it will be too late.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)